Study says religion blogs offer cross-fertilization

Blogs are a growing but still relatively underutilized influence on today’s religious discourse, according to a study of the religious blogosphere by the Social Science Research Council.

“Blogs have given occasion to a whole new set of conversations about religion in public life. They represent a tremendous opportunity for publication, discussion, cross-fertilization and critique of a kind never seen before,” the authors conclude.

“In principle, at least, the Internet offers an opportunity to break down old barriers and engender new communities. While the promise is vast, the actuality is only what those taking part happen to make of it.”

The study, published on an SSRC blog titled “The Immanent Frame,” surveyed nearly 100 of the most influential blogs that contribute to discussions about religion in the public sphere. The report was primarily researched and written by Nathan Schneider for the Brooklyn-based council.